It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, sibling and friend, Robert Edmond Wright, who passed away unexpectedly at home in Delta, Utah on May 10, 2023. Rob was born in Delta, Utah on August 31, 1958 to Ron and Helen Wright. Rob was the fourth of five children and was well known for his mischief and strong will. Rob liked to do things his way and nobody could convince him differently. Not even his wonderful mother, whom he loved and adored.
Rob grew up in Delta and never left, never wanted to, he loved Delta and couldn’t see the logic in looking elsewhere for something he already had. Rob graduated from Delta High School in 1976.
He was always making friends, friends to whom he was fiercely loyal. You could find Rob and his buddies out on the Rez’ most summer nights. Rob loved to ski and got really good at it despite the fact that his swimsuit choice was a pair of cut off jean shorts.
Rob was quick to earn the respect of those he worked with and worked for. He took great pride in his work. He spent many years working at Walker Lumber. This was a job he loved and was great at. Everyone loved getting help from Rob. He knew his stuff inside and out and he loved sharing his expertise and knowledge with everyone who walked through the doors.
Rob loved a good movie. I think he watched every cowboy movie ever made, his guilty pleasure was his obsession with “Little House on the Prairie”, and their many reruns, it didn’t matter how many times he’d seen them before. He has even been called out for occasionally watching “Saved by the Bell”, though I doubt he would have ever admitted to it. Rob also had quite the sweet tooth and doted on treats of any kind (except chocolate) he loved a good waffle drenched with melted butter and maple syrup. At some point, he created a habit of his nightly ice cream. Usually vanilla topped with Caramel but he was okay to switch it up during peach season. Mary would spoil him with the best peach shakes! He could always plan on Mary’s delicious meals. She is an amazing cook and she always made sure dinner was ready and on the table every night when he would get home from work.
Rob was a force of nature. He was very passionate about the things he loved. Once he decided to do something, he would give 110%. Rob's passion and work ethic was instilled in him by his stoic father at a very young age. He always looked up to his father and spent many days throughout his life working side by side with him. They laid brick, cared for the bees and took every chance they could to go out hunting. The Wrights became well known for their love and success of coyote hunting. Rob was excited to share this passion with his own sons. Together Ron and Rob used these hunting trips to not only teach the next generation the best secret hunting spots and how to make the perfect call but to teach them to be men. Great men! Rob lost his guiding star, (his father) in 2007 and life was never the same.
Above all, Rob's greatest passion and love was his beautiful, strong, loyal wife Mary Jane Thorn. He persuaded her to marry him, and they were wed on July 20, 1979. They built a great life together and raised four beautiful, loving children: Robbie, Steph, Jake and Jenny. His children were his pride and joy. He loved and doted on his beautiful daughters and they had him wrapped around their cute little fingers. He loved it! He pushed his boys to be the best that they could be. Rob and Mary were Jake and Robbie’s biggest fans. Never missing an opportunity to watch them compete. There are many a tales of Rob losing his cool as his passion for his boys and the competition would sometimes get the best of him. Rob’s kids never doubted the love Rob had for them and they knew he always had their back no matter what.
The Wright family has been overwhelmed with how much love and support this amazing community has given them throughout this difficult time. It is easy to see why Rob loved Delta so much! They want to thank all of those who have sent love, meals, prayers and kind words. Also the amazing response team and all of the countless medical professionals, neighbors, friends and loved ones.
Rob is survived by his wife: Mary Jane Thorn; his children: Robert Lloyd “Rob” and Kathi (Armbruster) Wright; Stephanie Jo and Shawn Petersen; Jacob Edmond “Jake” and Jessica (Lewis) Wright; Jenny Kay and Randy Davis; his mother: Helen (Anderson) Wright; siblings: Betty Rae Tucker (Kent), Julie Anne Ryther (Gary), Ronald Anderson Wright (Marie), Helen Eileen Wright (Suzanne); his grandchildren: Bosten, Ritchi, and Ronni; Cole, Caden, Cael, Trace, Talon, and Ruger; Brixton, Harlie, Trig, and Jase; and Calab and McKenna. He is preceded in death is his father: Ronald Edmond Wright; granddaughter: Oakley Jane Shiner; mother- and father-in-law: Roy Elbert and Lois Jean (Burton) Thorn.
A private family gathering will be held later to honor Rob. Online condolences may be left at www.nicklemortuary.com